Pixels & Pints: Chitra Sivanandam's Story
By Gracie Richburg
More likely than not, we’ve all heard the tried and true saying at some point in our lives: Never put yourself in a box. But what does that mean, really? How in a world so polarized by the confines of the left-right, up-down, and black-white mentality could one manage to avoid succumbing to this dreaded hypothetical box? And even then, how do you begin to set yourself apart? Well, it certainly is easier said than done, but there is one woman who has managed to do it, and exceptionally well at that. Her name is Chitra Sivanandam, an innovative visionary and passionate leader, who is absolutely anywhere but inside a box. In our sixth edition of The Butterfly Bulletin, we are ecstatic to feature Chitra and her inspiring and dynamic story.
Left Brain, Right Brain
Born and raised in a small town suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, Chitra Sivanandam’s childhood was marked by the close-knit family she grew up in. Born only 11 months after her older sister, she practically had a twin and quickly developed an appreciation for sisterhood. Growing up in a first-generation Indian home, Chitra felt the all-too-familiar pressure many children of immigrant parents face—the need to succeed. Preferably in the realms of math or science, if you had asked her parents. The overwhelming tug-of-war between wanting to both appease her parents and also to follow her heart left her torn. Chitra faced what we could colloquially refer to as the “left brain, right brain” dilemma. While math and science did come naturally to her, her heart laid elsewhere—the arts. Chitra was drawn to creativity from a young age and never let one sole thing define her. She was especially captivated by the field of fine art photography, which would soon lead to a highly influential moment in her professional career.
When it came time for Chitra to fledge the nest and head to college, she knew she ought to keep her options open. And open they were! Naturally, in true Chitra-fashion, this involved applying to 11 different schools ranging from journalism at NYU to chemistry at Berkeley. If there is one thing about Chitra, she will have her bases covered. Despite the intense academic pressure she felt from her parents, Chitra knew she needed to follow her heart and remain true to her authentic self. This gut feeling eventually led her to pursue fine arts photography at RIT.
However, Chitra's journey took an unexpected turn during a pivotal moment at her summer orientation. In a twist of fate, she accidentally stumbled upon a program for Imaging Science. It was as if the universe conspired to bring together her dual passions for the arts and sciences. The program seemed like a perfect blend of these seemingly disparate worlds, and although she initially signed up to appease her parents' wishes for a more science-oriented path, Chitra quickly found herself captivated by the possibilities it offered. The curriculum was unlike anything she had encountered before, combining computer science, optics, physics, systems engineering, mathematics, statistics, analytics, and artificial intelligence. Chitra soon realized that this program, meticulously crafted by industry experts, was an opportunity she could not resist. It was here that Chitra began her journey into the intriguing realms of computer graphics, holograms, and the intricate science of imaging.
Chitra (left) and sister
A Sip of Ingenuity
In the realm of Imaging Science, Chitra's journey began to unfold, filled with choices and opportunities that shaped her into who she is today. Fresh out of the boutique program, she was in high demand, with recruiters from the Intelligence Community recognizing the exceptional skills cultivated in that unique environment. Faced with a difficult decision, Chitra weighed a substantial offer from Adobe against a less enticing one from NEMA, ultimately choosing the latter. Little did she know that this decision would be a turning point in her career. Her trajectory skyrocketed when a savvy government manager recognized her talents and brought her aboard as a contractor, marking the start of her deep dive into the Intelligence Community. Chitra's commitment to her newfound path was unwavering; she "drank the Kool-Aid quickly" and embraced the IC as a lifelong endeavor.
Transitioning from supporting the government to the fast-paced world of technology marked a significant shift in Chitra's career journey. During her tenure, she found herself in a unique conundrum—she couldn't openly discuss her job, a challenging situation for someone with a deeply connected, immigrant family. The secrecy was part and parcel of classified work, requiring an extraordinary level of discretion. Explaining this foreign lifestyle to her family, who thrived on staying in close touch and sharing their experiences, was a complex puzzle. How do you maintain relationships when you can't even reveal the essence of your daily work?
Over time, the peculiarities of her profession became the new norm for Chitra, an existence that, despite its secrecy, brought her a profound sense of belonging within the community. Her transition to INTEC, an integral moment in her career, sparked a personal and professional transformation. It allowed her to explore the differences between government and industry, and she discovered the vital importance of variety in her work. The industry, she found, was not only comfortable with the unconventional but also thrived on it. This fostered a unique, collaborative environment where your competitors could actually be teammates, and the overarching mission became a shared goal. In this ecosystem, passion for the mission sparked a willingness to explore fresh ideas and take calculated risks, driven by the diversity of experiences that each member brought to the table. Chitra, known for her self-proclaimed "never-ending basket of crazy ideas," drew inspiration from her diverse background—a mix of Midwestern experiences, the influence of her first-generation Indian family, and the wisdom passed down from her mother.
Amidst the whirlwind of her professional pursuits, Chitra's life ventured somewhere few could have anticipated—the artisanal world of beer crafting. It wasn't necessarily a calculated move, so to speak, but rather a journey guided by serendipity and—in Bob Ross fashion—a sprinkle of happy accidents. From their very own garage, Chitra and her husband found themselves stepping into the intricate realm of brewing beer. They later opened their very own brewery, The Craft of Brewing, in Ashburn, VA. Chitra's philosophy was clear: there's always something new to learn, and inspiration can spring from anywhere. As the pandemic swept across the globe, their brewing journey became a profound learning experience, a lesson in resilience and the art of balancing risk while forging ahead. This intersection of Chitra's professional life in the Intelligence Community and her expertise in AI with her personal passion for brewing beer created a dynamic collision of worlds. Here, Chitra's boundless creativity found its rightful canvas, proving that even in the most unexpected encounters, innovation thrives and passions collide, crafting a unique narrative of success.
Passion is Your Power
Named AI Executive of the Year in 2019, Chitra undoubtedly has made an unforgettable name for herself, but she remains firmly rooted in her belief that achievements are the result of collective efforts and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond her remarkable career, Chitra's family life is as vibrant and dynamic as her professional, incorporating love, laughter, and an endearing sense of chaos. Chitra resides in Leesburg with her husband, two kids, and the Sivanandam zoo: 3 dogs, 4 parrots, and an array of fish. It's a family dynamic that perfectly mirrors Chitra's philosophy of embracing life in all its diverse, yet delightful forms.
For Chitra, passion is not just a word; it's a guiding principle that has shaped the course of her life. The unique and candid perspective she holsters been marked by a resolute belief in the power of authenticity and a refusal to self-limit. Her philosophy is simple: cast aside the 'could've, should've, would've' mindset that limits potential and instead embrace action and boldness. Chitra reminds us that while it's easy to be starstruck by the 'celebrity' status of high-ranking figures, they, too, put their pants on one leg at a time.
But beyond all the technicalities and fancy job titles, Chitra has and continues to remain consistent in being one thing, and perhaps the coolest of them all:
Chitra Sivanandam.
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